Bryant leads Lakers past Hornets

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - With his team's playoff hopes hanging in
the balance, Kobe Bryant launched late game heroics with 23 points in the
fourth quarter, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-96 victory over the
New Orleans Hornets at Staples Center

Bryant was just 2-for-7 before the start of the final frame, but willed his
club to a win that puts them back in eighth seed of the Western Conference
playoffs.

The Lakers hold a one-half game lead over Utah, which lost to Oklahoma City
earlier Tuesday.

Bryant finished with 30 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals,
while Paul Gasol totaled 22 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, which was
coming off a loss to the Clippers. The Lakers have four games left on their
schedule.

Dwight Howard had 19 points and the Lakers saw the return of Metta World
Peace, who miraculously was ready to play just 13 days after surgery to repair
a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. He scored four points.

New Orleans was led by 22 points from Eric Gordon. Rookie Anthony Davis
contributed 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Hornets, losers in nine of their
last 10 road games.